July 1, 2026 — The Municipal Government of Itogon, led by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, officially launched its first-ever observance of National Disaster Resilience Month on Wednesday at the Municipal Gymnasium in Poblacion, marking the start of a month-long series of activities promoting disaster preparedness and community resilience.
Anchored on this year’s national theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” the kick-off program was spearheaded by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) under the leadership of Engr. Cyrl L. Batcagan.
The event gathered members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), led by Council Chairman Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, Vice Chairman Vice Mayor Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio, and Committee Chair on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councilor Albino A. Diego. Also in attendance were representatives from the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMCs), the Itogon Fire Station headed by FINSP Julius T. Wanawan, Philex Mining Corporation represented by Community Relations Officer Engr. Marie Aurora S. Dolipas, and SN Aboitiz represented by Wilma V. Monje.
Local DRRM Officer I Lincoln P. Ponasi shared that this year’s observance marks the municipality’s first official month-long celebration of Disaster Resilience Month. He expressed his appreciation to Mayor Waclin, Vice Mayor Godio, and the members of the MDRRMC for their continued support of the municipality’s disaster risk reduction and management initiatives.
In his message, Mayor Waclin commended the MDRRMO and the MDRRMC for organizing Itogon’s inaugural NDRM celebration. He emphasized that the month-long activities are designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and readiness of responders and stakeholders in responding to emergencies and disasters.
Mayor Waclin underscored the importance of disaster preparedness in mining communities. He reminded small-scale miners and concerned stakeholders that all mining activities should be suspended during periods of heavy rainfall to prevent avoidable accidents and protect lives.
Vice Mayor Godio, meanwhile, encouraged all responders and DRRM stakeholders to continue working toward the shared goal of achieving zero disaster-related casualties in Itogon. While acknowledging that disasters cannot always be prevented, he said every loss of life deeply affects the community and emphasized that preparedness, vigilance, and cooperation remain the best means of safeguarding lives.
MDRRMO Head Engr. Cyrl L. Batcagan thanked all members of the MDRRMC, partner agencies, barangay officials, volunteers, and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to building a safer and more disaster-resilient Itogon.
During the program, Local DRRM Assistant Rafael F. Olimpo presented the lineup of activities for the month-long observance. These include a Poster-Making Contest for learners on July 4, the DRRM Summit and Expo on July 10, both to be held at the Municipal Gymnasium, the Half Marathon Trail Run on July 18, and the Best DRRM Corner Competition among the barangay local government units. The celebration will culminate with the Closing and Awarding Program on July 31 at the Municipal Gymnasium in Poblacion.
Through its first Disaster Resilience Month celebration, the Municipal Government of Itogon reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness, strengthening partnerships, and building a safer, more resilient community.
